RV Winter Storage Tips for Your Interior
Unless you plan to take to the open road and head to sunnier places this winter, chances are you’ll store your RV for the off season. If you are planning to store your rig, make sure you have it properly prepared. In addition to draining the water systemsto prevent freezing, you should take the following extra measures to ensure your RV is protected.
Protect Your Rig from Pests
One of the most costly problems that can occur when your RV is in storage is damage from mice and squirrels. The shelter of your rig combined with any food left behind makes it a very appealing place for pests to winter. This is a difficult problem to prevent, but one of the first things you should do is make certain that there are no obvious gaps or holes in the exterior of your RV, including the underside. If you find any, fill them in with a sealant.
Next, go inside your RV and open up all of the cabinets and drawers. If you see any daylight peering through, that means you have a gap that would allow pests inside. Make sure you take care of these problems before putting your motorhome away for the season.
Lastly, remove all food, no matter how well stored, from the RV. This includes vacuuming up crumbs…even the ones that may have settled in the couch underneath the cushions. This uneaten food will attract pests.
Clean and Thaw the Refrigerator
If you leave your refrigerator and freezer closed, you will return to stagnant odors and melted ice buildup. Before storing your RV, thoroughly clean the refrigerator and defrost the freezer. After cleaning, open the doors to allow the fridge to air out. You can also put an opened box of baking soda inside to help absorb any remaining odors.
Cut the Power
Next, turn off the main power breaker and the LP gas supply. Turn off all gas appliances. Gas leaks or an accidental fire could cause a serious tragedy to your rig during the winter storage months. If you have battery-powered items, like a smoke detector or any built-in clocks, remove the batteries. If they corrode during the winter, your device will be damaged and you will have to replace it. You may want to replace the batteries when you start using your RV again to guarantee they are fresh and ready to serve you well.
Protect the Interior from Sun Damage
UV rays and heat from the sun coming through your RV’s windows can fade and damage the interior of the RV. Close the blinds to see to it that sunlight does not fade your upholstery or flooring. Consider storing your rig in a covered area to further protect it.
Perform a Thorough Cleaning
This is a good time to thoroughly clean your RV. Doing so will assure that you are able to get out and go when the weather becomes more favorable. Open and inspect all of the cabinets and drawers, replacing or repairing hardwareas needed. Leave these doors open, so you don’t create a warm dark place for mold or pests to take up residence.
Preparing to store your RV takes time and energy, but it’s worth knowing that your rig will deliver reliable performance all season long.
